Josiah rubbed a hand over his jaw. The weight of responsibility bore down on his shoulders. He forced himself to stand tall rather than feel snared in a trap. “I haven’t thought beyond December.”
Nate didn’t look surprised. “I can’t see Ellie liking the Bay Area. So many people, traffic, buildings. Remember my ex, Marissa?”
“Yeah, she was beautiful.”
“She hated Montana. Marietta was too small. This ranch, the old one, was too rundown. She wanted nothing to do with cattle and horses and couldn’t wait to get back to California. Ellie is the exact opposite.”
I usually feel like I’m the first cousin once removed they allow in out of politeness.
Josiah remembered what she’d said at the Graff Hotel. “Ellie’s a country girl, but she might want to visit the Bay Area to see what it’s like. Hell, I own a jet. It’s not like I couldn’t fly her down whenever we wanted.”
If anyone had the means to make this work, he did.
“So this isn’t a vacation fling?” Nate asked.
“I don’t know what this is.” Josiah grabbed the back of his knotted neck. He knew how she made him feel and what her kisses did to him, but he hadn’t come here looking for a girlfriend. “But whatever it is, I’m not going to hurt Ellie.”
He wouldn’t do that to her.
He couldn’t, could he?
Chapter Thirteen
Sitting on a couch in the great room, Ellie waited for Josiah to come out of Nate’s office. She had no sense of time, only that he seemed to be in there a while.
A good sign? She hoped so.
No matter what happened to her, including losing her job, she would survive. Life had taught her to keep going no matter what, and so far she had, even if some days she’d been drying her eyes before taking the next step.
I have no regrets about kissing you. None at all.
Ellie felt the same way now that she’d had time to think, but she wanted to know Josiah was okay.
She’d worked at the Bar V5 for a year and a half. Her boss’s reputation in Marietta was solid. He wouldn’t hurt Josiah physically, even if Nate might want to. But there could be consequences. How bad would those be for Josiah?
Logs crackled in the fireplace. Candle flames flickered on the mantel. Lights twinkled on the Christmas tree. Carols streamed out the speakers. A typical December evening at the Bar V5, except this one felt different.
Because of Josiah.
She was worried about him, but her happiness brimmed. Her heart seemed to have shed pounds. No dieting required.
Only kisses.
Josiah’s kisses.
His kiss had awakened something within her. Nothing she’d felt before. Whether this was the beginning of something wonderful with him or not, she would cherish the memory and no doubt a few fantasies about him would continue.
A door opened and then closed.
Adrenaline surging, Ellie jumped to her feet. She clasped her hands together. She realized she was holding her breath and forced herself to breathe.
In-out, in-out.
Josiah walked toward her. “Hey.”
“I’ve been waiting for you.”
The corners of his mouth curved upward, but his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I hoped you’d be around.”
Always. “How’d it go?”
“No punches were thrown.”
The tension knotting her muscles released. “Should I go talk to Nate?”
“No, he’s going to work on the nursery.” Josiah smoothed her hair. “Everything’s fine. Your job is safe. So is mine.”
She closed her eyes. Her guardian angel, or maybe her brother, had been watching over them tonight.
Thank you.
Josiah hugged her. “You were worried.”
Ellie rested her cheek against his chest. His hands at the small of her back made her feel safe. “I didn’t know what Nate would say.”
Josiah pulled back, ran a finger along her jawline. “Nate’s more concerned than upset. He doesn’t want me to hurt you.”
Her mind froze at the thought. “You wouldn’t.”
“That’s what I told him.” Josiah cupped her face, his touch gentle, yet possessive. “He’d rather we not spend time together.”
She stiffened. “That’s not his choice.”
“No worries, sweetheart.” Josiah’s confident tone made her want to believe she had nothing to be concerned about. “Nate can’t stop us from seeing each other. Nothing can.”
Hope sparked. Ellie wanted to believe something could work out between them. What? She had no idea and didn’t want to create a false expectation.
“I like being with you.” Josiah showered kisses along her neck. “Kissing you.”
The light touch of his lips made her want more. She dropped back her head to give him better access. “Me, too.”
“That’s what I wanted to hear.”
He raised his head, and she wished he were still kissing her. She missed the feel of his lips, the warmth of his touch.
Josiah traced her mouth with his fingertip. “Because I want to spend time with you.”
She shivered with need. “We’re together now.”
“I don’t mean just tonight.”
A thrill shot through Ellie.
Anything is possible.
He’d been talking about Christmas magic when he said that, but those three words sent hope exploding. Maybe there was a chance of something more happening with Josiah. If so, she wanted to go for it. She no longer cared that he was a guest or a friend of Nate’s.
For so long, she’d tried to do the right thing. She’d put others first, been a good girl and the perfect daughter. But she’d denied her needs for too long. This time, she wanted to do something for herself.
With Josiah, Ellie wanted to be selfish.
The possibility of more, even a few more days, was enough. She liked how Josiah wanted to help her with Buck’s Place. She loved how he made her feel.
Indulging in a flirtation—possibly a romance—wouldn’t hurt anyone. Ellie knew what she was getting herself into and could live with her decision. She would hold on to him with both hands until she was forced to let go. Whenever that might be.
Heart roaring in her ears, she smiled up at him. “Tonight hasn’t quite turned out as expected.”
“No, but I’m getting used to that with you.” Josiah sounded amused, not upset. He looked so gorgeous with the fireplace behind him, a big smile on his face, and his focus completely on her.
“We should try this date thing again.” She felt like the only woman in the world he wanted. That gave her courage. “Not here, but a place where we won’t be disturbed. What do you say?”
Tuesday evening aka the big date night, Josiah stood in the lodge’s entryway with Ellie. He’d made the arrangements for their date himself, a task he usually left for his assistant. But Tamara wasn’t available, and Ellie deserved to be spoiled. He was the man for the job. “Ready?”
“Can’t wait.” Excitement gleamed in her eyes.
Ellie looked beautiful. The red hem of her dress hung out the bottom of her black wool coat. Curly tendrils framed her face. She wore the rest of her hair in a loose bun—the result breathtaking.
“Our ride is here.” Josiah had attended red carpet events, but those hadn’t brought the same tingling let’s-get-going sensations this date did.
He opened the front door. A whiff of pine from the Christmas wreath hit him in the face, but he didn’t mind. Tonight was all about Ellie. He would embrace the holiday during their date.
For her.
A white stretch limo idled on the driveway. The uniformed driver stood by the back door.
“Your chariot awaits, milady,” Josiah said.
Ellie gasped. She grabbed his hand in a death grip. “You rented a limousine for tonight?”
Her voice sounded shaky as if nervous. Josiah wanted to put her at ease. He knew how to do that. He kissed her, a quick brush of his lips over
hers. “I thought a helicopter might bother the cattle and horses.”
Her gaze darted between him and the limousine. She laughed. “I may have fainted if you’d done that.”
“I would have caught you.” With his free hand, he brushed a strand of hair away from her face. “Or we’d both have gone down if I couldn’t.”
A mix of gratitude, excitement, and a touch of anxiety reflected in her gaze. She still clung to him, her fingers pressing against his.
He stroked her hand with his thumb and then pulled her onto the porch. The air was cold, but the limo would be heated. “Come on.”
She raised her chin. “Looks like this working girl is going to get a taste of your world.”
Not a taste, a gulp.
She let go of his hand. “I’ve never been in a limo.”
“Then it’s time.”
Josiah missed touching her. He put out his arm and escorted her down the porch stairs that no longer tired him as they had when he first arrived at the Bar V5. He followed her into the limo. The driver closed the door and then got behind the steering wheel. The limo pulled away from the lodge.
Ellie stared at the interior with a look of awe.
Josiah remembered his first time in a limo. “Press the buttons and see what they do.”
She did, making the sunroof open and close, the window go up and down, and the lights go on and off. “I feel like a little kid, but this sure is fun.”
“During our first walk, you told me to make memories while I’m here. I want to give you some memories, too.”
Her smile made him feel like a superhero. “You’re doing a great job.”
He poured the open bottle of champagne into crystal flutes and handed her a glass, bubbles rising. “Here you go.”
“This is like in the movies.”
Nodding, he raised his glass. “To...our first official date.”
Finally, they were together, not at the ranch, no cute kitten or overprotective boss lurking nearby, only the two of them. Josiah had been looking forward to this night.
She tapped her glass against his. A perfectly pitched chime hung in the air. The dim lighting couldn’t hide how lovely she looked. The champagne flute was simply another accessory, one she carried off with the same sense of style as the executives and high-powered women he knew.
Ellie sipped and then grinned. Even her eyes were smiling. “You know, I’d be happy to drive around all night.”
She was easy to please, but she deserved so much more. Josiah wanted to take away the pain and loneliness she’d experienced during her childhood. He wanted to give her more than pleasant memories. He wanted to give her all he could.
“We’ll drive around after dinner.” Josiah switched his glass to the other hand and put his arm around her.
Christmas carols played over the speakers. Ellie swayed to the music.
“This is...” She stiffened. A startled expression flashed on her face. “We don’t have to listen to this kind of music. Anything is fine.”
“I chose this for the drive.”
“Why?” Her brows drew together. “You might be softening toward Christmas, but you’re not a big fan of the holiday.”
“You are.” He kissed her softly. Not the hungry kiss he craved, but there would be time for that later. “Tonight is all about you. That includes Christmas music.”
The drive to Marietta took nearly an hour with detours to see light displays, and then the limousine arrived at their destination.
“We’re here,” Josiah said.
She peered out the window. Her expression tightened, matching her rigid posture. “The Graff?”
He squeezed her hand. “There’s a reason I picked the hotel.”
Her lips pressed together. She looked at him expectedly with a wary gaze.
“You and me...we belong here.” She didn’t say anything, but he could see her uncertainty. “Trust me.”
Her shoulders relaxed a little. “I do.”
The two words bolstered his confidence in the plans for tonight. “Let’s do this.”
Inside the hotel, a uniformed bellhop greeted them, took their coats, and handed Josiah a claim ticket.
Ellie fidgeted with the waistline of her dress and then smoothed the skirt. She wore makeup, but she was beautiful with or without it. The long-sleeved, calf-length red dress fit perfectly, accentuating her waistline and hips. Her jewelry consisted of a gold chain with a horseshoe pendant and gold hoop earrings. He missed her Christmas jewelry, especially the bell.
He allowed himself another head-to-toe gaze. “You look stunning tonight.”
A middle-aged woman with dark hair walked over. “Mr. Whittaker. Ms. Smith. We’re delighted to have you with us at the Graff Hotel. I’m Andrea Jackson. This way, please.”
As they followed, Ellie took his arm. “This isn’t the way to the dining room.”
“You’ll see.”
“Patience isn’t one of my strong points.”
“You mean you get impatient with more than opening presents too slowly?”
She stuck out her tongue at him.
He laughed.
Andrea knocked on two double doors. They opened as if magically, until two women dressed in Victorian costumes appeared on either side.
“Welcome to Victorian England,” Andrea said. “Enjoy your Dickens’ Christmas dinner.”
Ellie inhaled sharply. Eyes wide, she looked at him with a tentative smile, but didn’t move.
He led her into the room.
Her steps were slow, hesitant, yet her smile grew. “I can’t believe you did this.”
The women at the doors curtsied. Two men—servers, perhaps?—also wearing costumes bowed. Four carolers dressed in period attire sang.
Josiah was impressed. The Graff had exceeded his expectations with the staff, costumes, and decorations. He felt as if he was in Victorian England thanks to the exquisite Christmas tree and the dinner table set with enough china, crystal, and flatware for royalty. He wanted Ellie to feel like a princess.
Her face was flushed. Laughter danced in her eyes. “Wow. Just wow.”
The surprise and wonder in her voice sent a ball of heat to the center of his chest. All the planning and phone calls had been worth the effort.
Ellie walked to the table. He followed her. She touched the linen tablecloth with an almost reverence, and then she leaned over to smell the floral centerpiece.
“Everything is so perfect.” She went to the tree with candle-shaped lights. “Christmas card perfect. I love it.”
Her dreamy tone wrapped around him like an embrace. Seeing her so happy pleased him. She did so much for others, he was happy to do this for her. “I hoped you would like this.”
“I do.” She sighed. “So much.”
He stepped behind her and wrapped his arms around her. He nuzzled her neck, inhaled her vanilla scent.
“But I can’t believe you went to all this trouble for me.” She glanced over her shoulder, her warm breath against his skin. “No one ever has.”
He kissed her earlobe. “This is just the beginning.”
Josiah might only be here through the rest of the month, but making Ellie happy made him happy. He wanted every day to be like tonight for her.
And for himself.
Sitting across from Josiah at the elaborately set table for two, Ellie couldn’t believe the date he’d planned. It was as if he’d reached into her heart and found the dreams she wanted to come true. Her nerve endings tingled with anticipation of what would come next.
So far, one surprise had followed another, from the four Victorian carolers to the breathtaking, step-back-in-time decorations. This private dining room—she had no idea these existed at the Graff—belonged in one of those glossy home décor magazines.
He looked over the rim of his wine glass. “Enjoying yourself?”
“I’m overwhelmed, but in a good way.” She glanced at the roast goose, sage and onion stuffing, and an apple and cranberry sauce on her
plate. This was the third—or maybe the fourth?—course served. “The chef outdid himself. I’m not sure how much more I can eat.”
Josiah hadn’t stopped smiling since they left the ranch. He seemed so much happier—more lighthearted and playful—than when he arrived in early December. Healthier, too. She hoped she’d played a role in his feeling better.
“Let’s take a break.” He motioned to a server. “I have something for you.”
A server carried over a silver tray with a matching dome lid. Another followed him and raised the cover.
A shirt box-sized gift, wrapped in an old-fashioned pink print covered with different images of St. Nicholas and Santa Claus, sat on doilies. Three different types of blush rose ribbons created an intricate bow. Two small, solid pink frosted ball ornaments and a gold bell, not the jingle kind, were attached to the ribbon.
Josiah handed her the present. “This is for you.”
Her heart pounded, so loud she was sure everyone in the room could hear. She loved gifts, and appreciated this one, but... “It’s too pretty to open.”
His deep, rich laughter curled her toes. “Where’s the impatient woman who rips into a present?”
“She’s torn between doing that and admiring the beautiful wrapping.”
“You know you want to.”
“Yes, but—”
Awareness of him hummed through her body. Opening the gift wasn’t the only thing she wanted to do. Ellie fantasized about dancing with him around the Christmas tree, and then sending the carolers and servers away so they could be alone and kiss without an audience. Maybe he wanted the same things. Maybe after dinner...
She looked at Josiah. Her pulse skittered.
Uh-oh. She needed to focus on the now, not what might happen. She stared at the present in her hands. “Can I save the ribbon and paper?”
“Of course.”
That would give her another memento from tonight. She’d already slipped her place card from the table into her purse.
Carefully she pulled off the ribbon. She slid her finger between the two edges of wrapping paper to separate them and then removed the paper.
Ellie held a simple white box. Too heavy for candy, but she couldn’t imagine what he’d buy her. She fought a case of nerves.
A Christmas Homecoming (Bar V5 Ranch) Page 15